For any of you sister missionaries, this amazing lady is making some pretty sweet "mission maps". If you'd like one, just send her your name, mission location, departure date, an email address and where you are from. They are pretty sweet and she has different styles.

check out her blog! 

http://karlieq.blogspot.com/2013/03/missionary-friends.html


Some examples:

Report: 79 days

So things are definitely turning around from last week.

Yesterday for FHE (Family Home Evening), we all watched the Avengers, after having a great spiritual thought of course. I only assume that, since I arrived very late. HAHA. And yes, I know there was a great spiritual thought because I was supposed to give it, but my friend Kellen Winslow desperately wanted to do it (:

He is a super cool guy. When he speaks, the Spirit illuminates the room. So I am definitely NOT making fun of him.

Of course I love the Avengers, so I had a great time. xD

Anyways, My scripture reading has been going smoothly. I am currently in 2 Nephi, chapter 11. I forgot how confusing 2 Nephi can be at times, because it is compared to Isaiah from the Bible. However, the things in which I am able to comprehend are far beyond the phrase "mind-blowing". I feel very confident about my scripture reading; I make sure to do it in the morning because that is when I have the greatest amount of energy that enables me to complete anything in the world... such as building a rocket ship while cooking chicken noodle soup, AT THE SAME TIME.

only in my dreams..zZzzZZZZzzZZ

Temple in Manila, Philippines

GAHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Philippines MTC

I am so excited!

Re-reading the Book of Mormon

You can never read the Book of Mormon too much. I've decided to re-read it before I go on my mission; we are technically encouraged to do so anyways haha!

I decided to do four chapters a day, since I am not leaving until July.
I started April 9th and WILL finish on May 31st (:

Reading my scriptures in the morning has definitely made each day filled with clarity and energy. I love the Book of Mormon so much.

and thank you to my mom who purchased my first Scripture Quad Set and Scripture Case for my mission. One of my favorite birthday presents (:

Mission Call (:

March 22, 2013:
      I received my mission call! I will be serving in the Philippines Quezon City Mission and I report to the Philippines MTC on July 5th, 2013!!!!!!!!!!!

You know, as I look back on what has happened to me over the last five years, up until my decision to serve a mission, ...I cannot doubt this decision. For a long time, I constantly told myself that I wanted to serve in the Philippines. When I was younger, I was never allowed to go with my grandparents because they did not want me to be kidnapped. In high school, I did my best to embrace my Hispanic side with Spanish-classes, but I felt a closer connection to Filipinos, but I did not know why (don't get me wrong; I love everyone! LOL.) At work, whenever a Filipino walked towards me, I always felt an impression to speak to them in Tagalog, but I did not know how to converse... so I ignored the thought. I began to think maybe I am meant for a Spanish-speaking mission because I know the grammar very well?

Well, right before I opened my mission call, I really did not know what to expect, however, I totally thought that me going to the Philippines was not what Heavenly Father had intended for me and I was prepared to accept my call no matter what, because being discouraged would have proven that I was only going on this mission for myself and not for the people. Opening my call and reading Philippines Quezon City, I was overjoyed with laughter. What a huge blessing!!! This city is actually where my mother was born.

Now, I can actually talk with my grandparents (mother's parents) about the Philippines and what they would have me expect. Filipino grandparents have been Methodist for a while, so this will be very interesting.

No matter, I am extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to serve this mission. I know that this is where Heavenly Father needs me to be. There people who have not heard,  who have been prepared and who have been waiting to hear about this Gospel from me and my future companion(s). I cannot wait to share the messages with these people in my area.

.....man, I am going to the Philippines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WATCH OUT!!!! I will be practicing my Tagalog and studying in my Mission Prep class twice as much now!!

YAY

MY MISSION PAPERS WERE SUBMITTED YESTERDAY!!!!